Dress shield and method of making the same



Oct; 20, 1936. s. BENDERSKY 2 DRESS SHIELD AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed May 7, 1936 2 Sheets-Shee t 1 INVENTOH 5a die Ben derq/ fy ATTORN E i.

Oct. 20, 1936; BENDE-RSKY 2,058,052

DRESS SHIELD AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Fi led May 7, 1956 2 Shets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. 5a d a'e Bender's/f}! ATTORNEY.

Patented Oct. 20, 1936 Aren't FFlCE DRESS SHIELD AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME 7 Claims.

My invention relates to shields for the protection of the under-arm portions of garments, such as dresses, blouses, and the like, from discoloration and deterioration due to contact with the perspiration of the wearer. More particularly, my invention relates to novel and practical means for detachably securing such shields to the un der-arm portions of dresses in a manner to render the presence of the shield unnoticeable from the outside of the dress while at the same time ensuring a maximum of comfort to the wearer.

Dress shields have presented a variety of problems which have made their use difilcult and, though necessary, nevertheless discommodious. :Ihus, the very utilization of dress shields requires that they be frequently removed for washing and replacement. This has led to the common practice of locating, sewing, and ripping out, and relocating and resewing shields into place; and to various attempts to provide substitute means for detachably securing dress shields into place. None of these means as yet produced, has proven ultimately satisfactory. Thus, attempts at solving these problems have resulted in bunching the dress shield or the detachable fastening means thereof in the arm pit, so as to render the wearer decidedly uncomfortable. Or they have resulted in the use of metallic fastening means coming directly in contact with the flimsy dress material; thereby occasioning rips and unsightly holes in the dress, and considerable discomfort to the wearer whenever her body comes in contact with the metal. Also, considerable difficulty has been experienced in properly locating the dress shield in place each time it is to be reattached to the dress.

Moreover, a desideratum of dress shields is that their presence be inconspicuous, and unnoticeable on the outside of the dress. Yet the dress shields sewed directly on the dress outline thereon their presence, by lending their, stiffness to the pliant dress material to which they are so closely united. Furthermore, detachably secured dress shields having stiff fastening means directly on the dress, pull on the dress whenever the arm is moved, thereby betraying their presence; for the stiff fastening means cannot respond to an external pull in the same manner as the flexible dress material. Also, the presence of any stiff material whatsoever, conjoined directly to the dress at the under-arm portion thereof, renders the dress stiff at the very portion of the dress which requires the greatest flexibility.

It is an object of my invention, therefore, to

provide a dress shield with means thereon for flexibly securing the same to a dress in a manner to render the presence of the shield unnoticeable from the outside, regardless of the position of the wearer thereof; and in a manner to permit a maximum of flexibility to the underarm portion of the dress itself.

Another object of my invention is to provide means for detachably securing a dress shield to a dress in a mannerto render the shield easily. and readily attachable, easily removable, and as easily reassemblable; said means to occupy a minimum of space, and to render a maximum of comfort.

A further object of my invention is to provide means for easily locating and relocating dress shields into place.

A further object of my invention is to provide a combination of temporary shield, fastening means, and dress shield, whereby a temporary shield, for use in retail dress shops, may be detachably secured to a dress, and then discarded for a more permanent dress shield, securable to the dress by the same fastening means; both shields bearing similar characteristics of ease and simplicity in assembly, and comfort to the wearer, as well as inconspicuousness to the observer.

A still further, object of my invention is to provide novel and practical means for making the dress shield of my invention.

With the above and other objects in view, my invention consists of a dress shield comprising a flexible tab having detachable-engaging means contiguous to one end thereof; a plurality of conjoined plies, one of said plies being adapted to be positioned next to the body of the wearer, and another of said plies being adapted to be juxtaposed to the body of a dress; said last-mentioned ply having positioned in proximity to the periphery thereof, detachable-engaging means adapted detachably to engage said detachableengaging means contiguous to one end of said flexible tab; the other end of said flexible tab being adapted to be sewed to said dress.

My invention also consists of a dress shield comprising a fabric having interlocking means in proximity to the periphery thereof; an absorbent-paper dress shield of substantially the same size and configuration as said first-mentioned dress shield; and a flexible tab having a plurality of coacting detachable-engaging means contiguous to both ends thereof and adapted alternately to interlock with said interlocking means on said fabric, and with said absorbentpaper shield; the transverse median portion of said tab being adapted to be sewed to a dress.

My invention further consists in the method of making a dress shield comprising the provision of a fabric having detachable-engaging means contiguous to the periphery thereof; a flexible textile band comprising alternately disposed Woven weft and warp fabric, and integrally related unwoven warp fabric, respectively; said woven fabric being defined by selvedges; providing on said woven fabric, in proximity to one end thereof, detachable-engaging means adapted detachably to engage said first-mentioned detachable-engaging means; dismembering said band by cutting across the unwoven fabric portions thereof and securing said separated woven fabric portions to said first-mentioned fabric by bringing into coacting engagement the respective detachable-engaging means thereof.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention, I have shown in the accompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferred by me, since the same have been found in practice to give satisfactory and reliable results, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and organizations of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate like parts:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a dress shield embodying my invention.

Figure 2 represents a vertical sectional view along line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 represents a fragmentary view, in perspective, of the under-arm portion of a dress with the dress shield of my invention assembled therewith.

Figure 4 represents a fragmentary view, in perspective, of the under-arm portion of a dress, shown in Figure 3, with the shield portion removed, as for washing or replacement.

Figure 5 represents a perspective view of a dress shield of modified construction, embodying my invention.

Figure 6 represents a vertical sectional view taken along the line 66 of Figure 5.

Figure '7 represents a vertical sectional view similarto Figure 6, but showing a fastening means of modified construction, embodying my inven-- tion.

Figure 8 represents a front elevational view of a dress shield of another modified construction, embodying my invention.

Figure 9 represents a front elevational view of a dress shield of a further modified construction, embodying my invention.

Figure 10 represents a perspective view of a dress shield of another modified construction, embodying my invention.

Figure 11 represents a fragmentary perspective view of a dress shield assembly embodying my invention, whereby the fastening means embodied in my invention are used for successively securing to a dress, a temporary absorbent-paper shield, and a permanent shield.

Figure 12 represents a plan view of a textile band woven to have formed therefrom a'series of flexible tabs embodying my invention.

In accordance with my invention, I provide a dress shield I5 adapted to be inserted within the arm scye I6 of a dress I1; said dress shield I5 comprising an inner ply I8 adapted to be juxtaposed to the sleeve and waist portions of the dress I1, and an outer ply I9 adapted to be disposed next to the body of the wearer of the dress II.

An interlocking means, illustrated in the drawings by a button 2|, is sewed to the inner ply I8, in proximity to the periphery 20 of the dress shield I5. If desired, a reinforcing strip 22 may be provided behind said inner ply I8, and the button 2| sewed thereto as well. A flexible tab 23, preferably projecting a short distance beyond the periphery of the shield I5, is detachably secured at one end thereof to said interlocking means 2|, by a coacting interlocking means on said tab, illustrated in the drawings by the buttonhole 24. The opposite end 25 of the tab 23 is adapted to be sewed to the dress II.

The tabs 23 and the coacting interlocking means 2I and 24 are preferably disposed along the median axes of the sleeve portion 26 and the waist portion 21 of the dress shield I5; and in proximity to the fold 28 between said sleeve portion 26 and said waist portion 21. Thus, there are detachably secured to the dress shield I5 similar tabs 23 and 29, adapted to be sewed to the waist portion and the sleeve portion, respectively, of a dress IT; and tabs 30 and 3|, similar to the tab 23, adapted to be sewed to the inner seam 32 of the arm scye I6 of the dress II.

In practice, the dress shield I5 is inserted within the arm scye I6 so that the dress shield fold 28 rests upon the inner seam 32 of said arm scye IS, with the tabs 30 and 3| resting thereupon; and the tabs 23 and 29 resting on the inner side seams 33 and 34 respectively of the waist and the sleeve portions of the dress IT. The ends 25 of the tabs are then sewed to the seams 32, 33 and 34, and the assembly of the shield is complete.

When it is desired to remove the shield, as for washing or replacement, all that is necessary is to unbutton the shields from the tabs.

Likewise, when it is desired to reassemble the dress and shield, all that is necessary is to button the shield to the tabs.

Moreover, should it be desired to wear the dress without the shield, this may conveniently be done without any further action on the part of the wearer, after the shield has been removed in the manner noted above; for the tabs are exceedingly small and flexible, and readily conform to the folds of the seams 32, 33 and 34, thereby becoming unnoticeable to the wearer, although readily discernible when desired to reassemble the shield and the dress.

InFigures 5 and6are illustrated a modifiedform of dress shield embodying my invention, in which the positioning of the interlocking means has been reversed. Thus, in this modified form of dress shield of my invention, the buttonhole 35 is located on the inner ply I8 of the dress shield I5, and the button 36 is secured to the tabs 23; thereby obviating the employment of the reinforcing strip 22 behind the inner ply I8.

In Figure '7, is illustrated a modified form of interlocking means embodying my invention, wherein there is secured to the tab 23 a metallic hook 31 employed in lieu of the button 36, to interlock with an eyelet 38 on the inner ply I8. In fact, any form of disengageable fastening means may be employed in the detachable interlocking of the tab and the inner ply I8 for the body of the wearer is protected from contact with the detachable-interlocking means, by the intervening outer ply I9 and the intervening impervious rubber ply 39, usually present in dress shields, and which here has the additional quality of'a padding. I

In Figure 8 isillustrated a modified form of dressshield embodying my invention wherein buttonholes 45 extending through the dress shield, are employed in lieu of'the buttonholes 35, thereby enabling dress shields now available on the market to be utilized in my invention; without the necessity of carefully cutting a buttonhole into the inner ply, or of ripping apart the peripheral seam to free the inner ply I8 for making buttonholes thereon. In this modification, I prefer to out two parallel, longitudinally disposed slits 5'Ion the tabs 23, and to passtherethrough a suitable retaining member 58 to prevent the tab from itself passing through the buttonhole 40 and becoming lost before the shie'ldhas been assembled with a dress IlI. When it 'is desired to assemble the shield with a dress II, the'tabs are sewed to the dress seams, as hereinb'efore' de scribed, and the retaining members 58 are then pulled out and discarded.

In Figure 9 is illustrated a modified form of dress shield embodying my invention wherein eyelets 4I, formed of short elastic cords, secured at both ends 42 to the periphery 2|! of the shield I5, are detachably interlocked with buttons 36 sewed to the tabs 23, at the ends thereof opposed to the ends 25 which are adapted to be sewed to the dress I1; according to my invention.

' In Figure 10 is illustrated a modified dress shield embodying my invention, wherein the tabs 23 are detachably secured to the dress shield I5, by means of buttonsBE, sewed to the tabs 23, interlocking with the buttonholes 43 on the flexible tabs 44, sewed to the inner ply I8 a short distance within the periphery 26 thereof. There is thus formed a flexible coupling wherein the interlocking means is removed both from the periphery 2i) and the inner ply I8 of the dress shield I5.

In Figure 11 is illustrated a combination of temporary shield, and more permanent shield, embodying my invention, adapted for use in combination as follows:

A dress shield I5 is provided, having extending therethrough eyelets 45 in proximity to the periphery 20 thereof, and positioned along the median axes of the waist portion I8 and the sleeve portion I 9, and in proximity to the fold 28 of said shield I5. Flexible tabs 46 are provided, each having secured to one end thereof a female snap fastening member 41, and to the other end thereof a male snap fastening member 48; said male snap fastening member 48 having a spear-post 49 extending therefrom. This spear-post 49 may be of the conventional ball-headed type, but must be of a height sufiicient to pass the ball or spearhead thereof through the eyelet 45. The transverse median portion of the flexible tab 46 is adapted to be sewed to a dress I].

A temporary shield 56, preferably of absorbent paper, is also provided, having a size and configuration similar to that of the more permanent shield I5.

In practice, the flexible tabs 46 are detachably secured to the dress shield I5 by means of the male spear-posts 49 thereon, passing through the dress shield eyelets 45, and being snapped into interlocking engagement with the female socket members 41 on the opposite ends of the tabs 46. This positions the transverse median portion 5| of the tabs 46 a short distance beyond the periphery 20 of the dress shield I5.

The dress shield is then inserted within the arm scye I6 of the dress II, with the tabs 46 in juxtaposition to the seams 32, 33 and 34 of the arm scye, waist and sleeve portions, respectively; and the transverse median portions 5I of the flexible tabs 46 sewed thereto. The dress shield I5 is then detached from' the tabs 46 by'disengaging the male snap fasteners 48 from the female snap fasteners 41 and passing the spearposts 49 out of the eyelets 45; and the dress shield I 5 is removed from the dress.

A temporary shield 50 is then inserted within the arm scye I6 in the same relative position as that formerly held by the dress shield I5. 7 This places the periphery 52 of the shield 50 in proximity to the transverse median portion 5| of each of the tabs 46, with the female socket members 41 on one side of the shield and the male spearpost members 48, facing it, through the other.

The male spear-posts 49 are then urged through the absorbent paper temporary shield 54 and snapped into engagement with the female socket members 41. This secures the temporary shield in place.

The temporary shield may be used on the dress for the purpose of protecting it from becoming shop-worn or deteriorated due to contact with the perspiration of prospective purchasers who try on the dress; and tends to keep it fresh until ultimately purchased. Moreover, it may be used as a temporary substitute for the more permanent dress shield while the latter is being washed and dried; or a series of temporary shields may be preferred by a customer to one permanent shield.

When it is desired to discard the temporary shield and substitute in place thereof a permanent dress shield I5, it is merely necessary todisengage the snap fastener members 41 and 48, thereby releasing the temporary shield 50; and substitute in place thereof the permanent shield I5, which is secured in place by simply pressing the spear-posts 49 of the male members 48 through the dress shield eyelets 45, and snapping them into engagement with the female socket members 41, as hereinbefore described.

In Figure 12 is illustrated a textile band used in my preferred method of making the dress shield of my invention. According to this method, I provide a textile band 53 having alternately disposed woven weft and warp fabric 54 and integrally related warp fabric 55, separated by selvedges 56. Suitable detachable-engaging means, such as the buttonholes 24 are disposed in proximity to one end of each of the woven weft and warp portions 54, and I then cut the textile band 53 across each of the unwoven warp portions 55 to separate the band into a plurality of flexible tabs 23 for use on the dress shield illustrated in Figure 1. If desired, a textile band, uniformly woven throughout, may be used instead of the intermittently woven band illustrated in the drawings. The selvedges should, however, still be located in the places illustrated, to prevent unravelling of the cut edges when the flexible tabs are separated. Also, if desired, buttons or other suitable detachable-engaging means may be substituted for the buttonholes 24, so that the finished flexible tabs may be adapted for use in the modified dress shields illustrated in Figures 5 to 11, inclusive.

Furthermore, if desired, the textile band 53 may be wound on a spool with a working end tangentially projecting therefrom, and the detachableengaging means 24 of the last woven-fabric portion thereof being disposed in proximity to its free end. The textile band spool is then grasped in the hand of the shield-assembling operator, and the detachable-engaging means of said last woven-fabric portion is detachably engaged with the co -acting engaging means 2| on the shield; and the last woven-fabric portion is then separated from the band in the manner already described. The same process is continued until all the detachable-engaging means on the shield, have depending therefrom, flexible tabs 23 which have been separated from the working end of said textile band spool.

I am aware that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and I therefore desire the present embodiments to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I hereby claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:--

1. In combination, a dress shield comprising a fabric having fastening means in proximity to the periphery thereof; a dress; a flexible tab secured at one portion thereof to said dress; fastening means Secured to said tab and spaced from said portion, said fastening means being detachably engaged with the fastening means on said fabric. 1

2. A dress shield comprising a fabric and a detachable tab; said fabric having detachableengaging means, and said tab having coacting detachable-engaging means secured to one end thereof, the other end of said tab being flexible and adapted to be sewed to a dress.

3. A dress shield comprising a fabric and a detachable flexible tab; said fabric having an eyelet formed thereon, and said tab having a non-metallic interlocking means secured to one portion thereof, and in detachable engagement with said eyelet, another portion of said tab, spaced therefrom, being adapted to be sewed to a dress.

4. A dress shield comprising a fabric and a detachable flexible tab; an interlockable eyelt on said fabric, and an interlocking engaging means secured to one portion of said flexible tab; another part of said tab, spaced from said portion, being adapted to be sewed to a dress; and a retaining member on said flexible tab disposed to prevent complete passage thereof through said eyelet.

5. A dress shield comprising a fabric and a detachable flexible tab; said fabric having secured thereto an elastic eyelet; and said tab having secured thereto a fastening means in detachable engagement with said elastic eyelet, a portion of said tab, spaced from said fastening means, being adapted to be sewed to a dress.

6. In combination, a dress; a flexible tab sewed at one portion thereof to said dress; and a dress shield comprising a, fabric having an outer portion and an inner portion, said outer portion being adapted to be disposed next to the body of the wearer, and said inner portion being juxtaposed to said dress; said inner portion having positioned in proximity to the periphery thereof, a detachable-engaging means; and said flexible tab having secured thereto co-acting detachableengaging means spaced from the portion thereof secured to said dress.

7 The method of making a dress shield, comprising the provision of a fabric having detachable-engaging means in proximity to its periphery, a flexible textile band having a Working end comprising a series of separable flexible tab portions, each of said flexible tab portions having disposed in proximity to one end thereof a detachableengaging means; detachably engaging the detachable-engaging means of the terminal tab portion of said working end, with the detachable engaging means on said fabric; and then separating the terminal flexible tab portion from said textile band.

SADIE BENDERSKY. 

